"Now then, that makes seven contestants introduced already! What do you think, everyone? Have you already picked your favorites!?"
A thunderous roar erupted from the crowd.
Clap-clap-clap-clap-clap!
The applause was deafening. From my right, my left, and behind me, voices from every direction shouted the names of the girls who had taken the stage so far.
I hadn't paid much attention during the initial group lineup, but looking at them one by one now, they were all certainly impressive enough to justify entering a Miss Contest.
Of course, in my personal opinion, not a single one of them could even hold a candle to Sara-san.
Oh, and for the record, Mayumi-san was excluded from the judging, so don't get any ideas.
I could have sworn I heard a voice from somewhere crying, "Kazunari-kun, you're so mean! Your mother-in-law is going to cry!" ...But I was sure it was just my imagination.
"Wow, they really are all beautiful," Marina Todo whispered.
"Well, it feels like most of the girls famous for being cute or pretty at this school have shown up," Yuji Tachibana replied.
"Ah, I guess that makes sense," Marina said.
"I recognize most of their names, at least. Though I've never actually spoken to them. Kazunari, you—"
"There’s no way Takanashi-kun would know them!" Hanako interrupted.
"Takanashi-kun isn't interested in anyone but Satsukawa-senpai, right?" Yoko Tachibana teased.
"Eh? Well... I mean, that's true, but..."
I wasn't sure if I should take that as a sign of their absolute trust in me, or if I should be bothered by the implicit jab at my narrow focus. Either way, they weren't wrong, so I let it slide.
"Still, if all the top beauties are being called up, it's a wonder Yuzuki-senpai wasn't invited," Marina noted.
"That's true. It wouldn't be strange at all if it were Natsumi-san..." Yuji added.
"Wh-whoa! I'm not... I mean, I'm not really into this kind of thing! And Yuji, don't just say something like that so casually!"
Being praised indirectly sent Natsumi-senpai into a bright red blush instantly. Now that they mentioned it, I’d never actually asked her about that... but I wondered what the deal was. I truly didn't think it would be strange for her to be on that stage.
"Natsumi has so much support from other girls that the boys find her a bit hard to approach," Eri Nishikawa explained.
"Guh... w-well, I guess that’s fair," Natsumi grumbled.
"Ah, definitely, especially after seeing that match this morning..." I said.
"Yuzuki-senpai was so cool!" Marina chirped.
"Marina-san's reaction is the answer," Eri said with a nod. "I think Natsumi is just a bit unsuited for the Miss Contest vibe."
"Yeah, yeah. I'm just boyish anyway," Natsumi muttered.
"I didn't mean it like that, you know?" Eri countered.
For the record, I didn't think Natsumi-senpai was masculine; I thought she was the "cool woman" type. She was boyish in style, but not in spirit. Well, I decided to leave the task of soothing her ego to Yuji.
"All riiiiight! Let's move on to the next one! Next up is finally... a return of our previous winner! Entry No. 8, Renaaaaa Kusuharaaaaaa!"
The crowd went wild.
"Kusuhara-saaaaaan!"
"Rena! Rena! Rena! Rena!"
The cheers were clearly a level above the previous contestants. There were quite a few people screaming the name of that stuck-up woman... actually, surprisingly many. It seemed her title as the previous winner wasn't just for show; she really did have a significant following.
"The atmosphere changed," Eri noted.
"Yeah, it got a lot noisier," I agreed.
"I wonder what that woman is going to show off... personally, I'd love it if her mask completely crumbled," Hanako muttered.
"I heard Kusuhara-san boasting before about how many private lessons she takes..." Marina added.
I had zero interest in her personally, but I was at least a little curious about what she planned to do. Especially since Sara-san's "talent" was still a complete mystery, the tension was starting to get to me.
Pshhh!
A smoke screen billowed near the center of the stage, and a figure emerged accompanied by over-the-top background music. Illuminated by the spotlights from behind, the girl stood with her hands on her hips, striking a dramatic, sultry pose.
Yep... that’s her, alright.
"Whoa... that’s flashy," I muttered.
"I've never seen anyone actually wear a dress like that," Marina said, sounding stunned.
Emerging from the smoke, the stuck-up woman was clad in a gaudy, golden long dress covered in frills. She had a white, fluffy stole draped over her shoulders that billowed as she strutted toward the front of the stage. She moved slowly from right to left, milking the audience's attention and offering greetings before stopping at the center.
Compared to the other contestants, her outfit was completely ridiculous. She had gone full "eccentric heiress" mode.
"Whoa! That is quite the costume... though I suppose I’m one to talk, being in cosplay myself. Still, it looks incredibly expensive," Minamin commented into her mic.
"Fufufu... this dress is a custom piece, specially ordered just for this day..."
I didn't really care about her self-introduction or her bragging. While there were certainly people in the audience getting fired up, just as many seemed to be cooling off. The people around us, for instance, were just watching with vague indifference.
And so...
...
"Yes! Thank you very much! Wow, last year was the violin, but this year it's the piano! And you even went so far as to have your own personal piano brought in? That’s quite elabo—I mean, the organizers are truly grateful for such a dedicated performance..."
"No, no, this is only natural. Since I am performing, I must ensure everything is in the best possible condition," Rena said, gracefully stroking her piano with a look of immense satisfaction.
She seemed to be trying for humility, but it failed miserably. Bringing her own piano to the school festival was definitely a statement of her determination to win, for better or worse... but it felt like she was trying too hard.
Wait.
Did time just jump?
I have no idea what you're talking about.
"Eririn, what did you think?" Natsumi asked.
"I think she was objectively good," Eri replied. "At least better than me."
"Eh? Nishikawa-san, you can play the piano?" I asked.
"Yes. Though I only took lessons when I was small, so it's really just a hobby."
"Heh... I guess playing an instrument is a mandatory skill for someone in your position, Nishikawa-san?"
"I—I wouldn't know about that. But now that you mention it, quite a few people in those circles do take lessons."
It might have been a stereotype, but I always imagined a "young lady" like Eri would have a dozen such talents. The violin or piano would certainly suit her.
"I wonder about Satsukawa-senpai? If she can play an instrument, maybe she'll do that for her talent..." Marina wondered.
"Hmm... Sara's been focused entirely on housework since she was a kid," Eri said. "Her Home Economics skills, like cooking and sewing, are professional-grade, though."
"Is that so? Then that means... Wait, does that mean Satsukawa-senpai's mother is also..."
"Yeah, Mayumi-san is Sara-san's master," I interjected.
The one who had drilled those domestic skills into Sara-san was none other than Mayumi-san (and Yukie-san), and naturally, her technical proficiency surpassed Sara-san's. According to Sara, while she might have the edge when it came to doing things specifically "for me," Mayumi-san was still the superior when it came to the fundamentals of the craft.
"Eeeh!? Her mother is even better than Satsukawa-senpai? That’s insane!" Marina exclaimed.
"B-but that means Satsukawa-senpai's best weapon, her Home Economics skills, is..."
"Exactly. This time, the wife's weapon is sealed," Hanako noted.
"I see. But that's exactly why winning here would prove she's finally surpassed Mayumi-san, wouldn't it?" Marina asked.
"In theory, yes..." I said.
However, in my heart, I felt that what Mayumi-san was looking for wasn't for Sara to surpass her in technical skill. If it were just about cooking, they could have settled that at home without making a public spectacle of it. There had to be something else.
"Yes, thank you very much! Everyone, another big round of applause for Rena Kusuhara-san!"
Whoaaaa!
Clap-clap-clap-clap-clap!
Accompanied by the loudest cheers yet, the stuck-up woman made a dramatic exit into the stage wings. She turned back one last time, lifting the hem of her skirt in an elegant bow. It was a polished performance—clearly different from the clumsy attempts our classmates had made the day before. I didn't want to praise her, but she was a pro at this.
"Now then... now, now... hufufufu, everyone is so honest. Eh? 'Hurry up'? Don't be like that! I was just joking!"
the murmuring in the crowd grew noticeably louder. People started shouting for Minamin to move things along, and Sara-san's name began echoing from several corners of the audience. People nearby were readying their smartphones, and some older gentlemen were gripping massive DSLRs like they were at a professional idol concert.
"It’s finally Satsukawa-senpai's turn. I'm so excited!" Marina said.
"By the way, Takanashi-kun, did Satsukawa-senpai prepare a costume?" Marina asked.
"No, I don't think she prepared anything special," I replied.
"My wife wouldn't provide that kind of fan service," Hanako added flatly.
"Well, it is Sara," Eri agreed.
"Yeah."
"That sounds like her," Marina said with a smile.
Anyone who knew Sara-san's personality could easily guess that even if she had been told to prepare a costume, she would have ignored the instruction. That meant she would be the only one taking the stage in her school uniform.
"All riiiiight! Let's call the next person! The heavy favorite... I mean, the most powerful contender that everyone’s been waiting for! Here she comes!"
Whoaaaaaaaaaa!
Uooooaaaaaaaaaa!
A cheer of a completely different magnitude erupted. I could feel the energy of the entire venue surging. Just hearing the noise, I felt like the result was already decided. There was an overwhelming gap between her and everyone else. Personally, though, I wasn't happy about it.
"Entry No. 9! The Aloof Goddess, Saraaaaaaa Satsukawaaaaaaaaaa!"
Oooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Amidst Minamin's high-pitched scream and the deep, dark roar of the spectators, accompanied by flashy music from the speakers... on a stage enveloped in a truly unwelcome trio of sounds...
Pshhh!
A silhouette appeared behind the rising smoke. Without any dramatic pauses or rehearsed gestures, she walked forward quite normally. Eventually emerging from the smoke, Sara-san looked just as serious as ever. In fact, she looked almost displeased... no, that wasn't it. She was probably just overly focused on the situation with Mayumi-san.
"Satsukawa-senpai looks a bit stiff, doesn't she?" Marina noted.
"Yeah, she looks like she's under a lot of pressure," Yuji agreed.
"Nervous..." Natsumi whispered.
"No way," Hanako countered. "Sara isn't the type to get nervous over a crowd like this."
"She’s thinking about her mother," Eri said.
"Exactly. She’s worried about Mayumi-san's challenge. Depending on the outcome, it could affect her life with Takanashi-san," Yuji added.
"Satsukawa-san has no choice but to go all-in this time," Hanako said.
Everyone was thinking the same thing I was. I didn't think Sara-san would actually fail because of the pressure, but I was still worried. I wondered if she’d notice if I waved?
I decided to try it.
Wave, wave...
"...Fufu."
She noticed. A small smile played on her lips.
"Uooooaaaaaaaaaa!"
"S-Satsukawa-san smiled!?"
"Oh man, that was definitely the Goddess's Smile!"
"She's too cute!"
"Get the shot!"
The venue erupted. The sound of digital shutters and smartphone cameras firing echoed from everywhere. I wasn't enjoying this at all. Not one bit. But since she had entered the contest, I supposed I just had to endure it.
"Ah, Satsukawa-senpai smiled!" Marina exclaimed.
"She did... Wait, she’s looking right over here. Ah, of course. It's Takanashi-kun," Natsumi said.
"Kazunari waved secretly," Eri noted.
"How predictable," Hanako sighed.
"Sara's emotions are entirely dependent on Takanashi-san," Yuji observed.
"Hearing it put that way makes it sound like a disaster waiting to happen," Marina giggled.
Ignoring their chatter, I watched her. Knowing how Mayumi-san might act depending on the result, it was only natural for Sara-san to be tense. It was frustrating that I could only watch from the sidelines, but if I could help her relax even a little...
"Wow... I knew she was popular, but this is incredible! Ah! By the way, this is just Minamin trivia, but according to a certain local beautiful girl information site, Satsukawa-san is the undisputed number one in this region. She apparently beat out the local idols by a landslide!"
"...Huh? What’s that?" Sara asked, her voice carrying through the mic.
"No... well, it’s not like Minamin was the one running it, so I don't know the details. Also, it's apparently shut down now, so you can't see it... yeah," the MC stammered.
The smile that had been on Sara-san's face vanished instantly, replaced by a look of profound disgust. Minamin backed away in fear. I hadn't heard anything about a site like that. If it was closed, then it wasn't a problem, right?
"Heh... there was a site like that?" Marina wondered.
"Well, with Satsukawa-senpai, it’s not a surprise," Yoko added.
"I see..." Eri whispered.
"Hmm? Eririn, what's up?" Natsumi asked.
"Even with Sara's looks, I thought it was strange that so many students from other schools and members of the public swarmed here. But if she became famous through a site like that, it makes sense," Eri explained.
"She’d definitely hit 100% on a site like that based on looks alone. It’s no wonder she’s being treated like an idol without her consent," Yuji noted.
"I see. That would explain the madness," I said. But if that was the case, it might continue even after today.
"In that case, today might be a blessing in disguise. With all these idiots gathered here, if we go public with the engagement between Kazunari and his wife..." Hanako suggested.
"Oh! If Satsukawa-senpai is being treated like an idol, then a boyfriend or marriage is a massive scandal. If they see them flirting right in front of them, they'll lose interest!" Natsumi exclaimed.
"Exactly. So Kazunari should just mess things up with his wife as usual," Hanako said.
"Wait, don't say it like that..."
I was aware that I tended to "mess things up" whenever we were together, but I’d never done it on purpose. Being told to aim for it was a tall order.
"Now then, Satsukawa-san, please introduce yourself!"
"Yes."
Minamin stepped back to the wings, leaving Sara-san alone in the center of the stage. The murmuring in the audience died down. Under the gaze of a crowd far larger than the one at the Student General Meeting, Sara-san stood tall. She seemed to have regained her composure.
"...Hello everyone. I am Sara Satsukawa. It is a pleasure to be here."
Whoaaaaaaaaaa!
Clap-clap-clap-clap-clap!
She had only said her name, but the applause was thunderous. Ignoring the noise, Sara-san gave a polite bow and then looked toward the wings—likely looking at Minamin.
"Um, Satsukawa-san?" the MC asked.
"Yes?"
"Is that... the end?"
"Yes."
"Eeeeeeh!? No, no! I mean, you’ve heard the other introductions! You have to give us a bit more than that!"
"Even if you say that..."
Sara-san's expression clouded with minor distress, and Minamin's voice from the speakers sounded equally troubled. Since Sara-san hadn't planned on doing anything in the first place, she really hadn't prepared a speech.
"Oh! Does Satsukawa-senpai have a natural airhead attribute too!?" a voice from the crowd shouted.
"Man... a cool, transcendent beauty who's also a total airhead? That’s too much moe to handle..."
"Satsukawa-saaaaaan! You're so cute!"
"Tell us what kind of guys you like!"
The crowd’s mood shifted as they interpreted Sara-san's reaction in the most favorable light possible. The noise level spiked again.
"E-err... well, then, can you give us an intro like the one from the Student General Meeting? Maybe talk about your hobbies or special skills..."
"I understand. Let me start over. I am Sara Satsukawa, a second-year at Rinka High School. I recently assumed the position of Student Council President. It is a pleasure to meet you. As for hobbies... I don't have anything in particular, but I take pride in my cooking. In that sense, I suppose you could say cooking is my hobby."
"Let me eat your cooking sometime!"
"Me too! Please!"
"You idiots! Don't even try stealing a march—"
"I refuse. If you want to talk in your sleep, do it at home," Sara cut them off coldly.
Hahahahahahaha!
Even though Sara-san was being dead serious in her rejection, the crowd took it as a comedic bit. Her calm retorts were met with waves of laughter.
"Kazunari, endure it. You can make those idiots regret it later," Hanako whispered.
"...I know."
I realized I was clenching my fists. Hanako-san gently wrapped her hand around mine, as if she could sense my irritation. Being the "big sister" she claimed to be, she knew exactly how to keep me grounded.
"Kazunari, Hanako-san is right. Let's just watch. They aren't making fun of her," Marina said.
"The more they cheer now, the bigger the shock will be later. Let them have their fun for now," Yuji added.
"Right."
If I’d been here alone, I might have lost my temper. I was truly grateful to have them with me.
"Is that all?" Minamin asked.
"Yes."
"Hmm... it’s still a bit short, but the crowd is into it, so let's move on! Next up, show us your special skill!"
Oooooooooooooooooooooooo!
The moment had finally arrived. Sara-san's special skill... if she refused to do anything, it would definitely be a strike against her in Mayumi-san's eyes. I watched, wondering how she would navigate this hurdle.
"Before we begin, may I borrow one thing?"
"Eh? Um... I don't think that's a problem, but... wait, where are you going!?"
Ignoring the confusion, Sara-san walked briskly toward the stage wings. As the audience and a stunned Minamin watched, she disappeared into the shadows and returned a moment later carrying something in both hands.
What was that?
"I’ll be using these," she said.
"Err... beanbags?" Minamin asked.
"Yes. To be honest, I don't have any skills worth presenting on a stage like this. However, I happened to find these among the children's toys backstage. Since I couldn't think of anything else, I decided to use them."
"I—I see! That's perfectly fine! Then, Satsukawa-san, the stage is yours!"
Sara-san took her position at the front-center of the stage. She took a deep breath and readied the beanbags. I’d never seen her do this before. I wondered what her plan was. Even if she just played with them normally, it would be charmingly like her.
"Here I go."
She tossed the first beanbag into the air, followed immediately by the second and then the third. Moving her hands skillfully from her wrists, she caught and tossed the three bags in a fluid cycle.
Wait, she was actually juggling!
"Whoa! I thought she was just going to play with them, but she’s actually juggling!" Minamin shouted.
Sara-san began to vary her throws, crossing her hands and widening her reach while maintaining a perfect rhythm. She changed the height of the throws, tossing them high and low with ease. She looked completely relaxed.
As we watched, captivated, she shifted the trajectory to form a perfect triangle. She tossed one up with her right hand, caught it with her left, passed it back, and tossed it again. The tempo increased, and the triangle grew smaller and faster.
Her hands were moving in a blur now, but the beanbags never fell. The audience began to buzz with excitement. We found ourselves clapping along, completely eyes-locked on the performance.
In that moment... Sara-san glanced toward us. I was certain our eyes met. She gave a faint smile and then, for her finale, she tossed all three beanbags high into the air. They soared to their peak and began their slow descent, falling perfectly into her waiting hands.
One! Two! Three!
She caught them all with total precision.
"............"
"......Oooh!"
"Oooooooooooooooooooooooo!"
Clap-clap-clap-clap-clap!
A massive roar erupted. The audience was on its feet, a literal downpour of applause filling the air. Whistles echoed from every corner. If this had been a seated venue, it would have been a guaranteed standing ovation. I was moved—truly, deeply moved. Sara-san!
"Incredible! Satsukawa-senpai, you're amazing!" Marina shouted.
"What was that!? How can she even do that?" Natsumi asked, sounding stunned.
"Whoa... I didn't know Sara had a hidden talent like that," Eri said.
"That was definitely a surprise. I can't imagine my wife as a street performer; the images just don't fit," Hanako noted.
Hanako was right. Sara-san had always kept her distance from others; I couldn't imagine why she’d learn a skill designed to entertain people. If it were a hobby, I surely would have seen it by now.
"Th-that was a shock! Honestly, that was way more impressive than I expected! Minamin is totally moved! Satsukawa-san, how did you learn that!?" the MC asked.
"Fufu... I’m surprised you’re so surprised. I used to play with the neighborhood children who gathered at my grandmother’s house. Beanbags were the only toys there, so I looked up how to use them on the internet... and this style of juggling came up as well."
Sara-san tossed the beanbags again, resuming a slow juggle as she spoke. The crowd cheered once more at the effortless display.
"Of course, this isn't how you normally play with them. But when I tried it, the children were so happy... As I taught them, I kept practicing myself because it was fun, and before I knew it, I could do this. I haven't done it in a while, but it seems my body still remembers."
"Wow... I see. By the way, Satsukawa-san, do you like children?"
"Yes. Being around them puts my mind at ease. Their innocence is truly adorable," Sara-san replied, a gentle smile lighting up her face as she thought of the kids.
I found myself entranced by that expression... but then I noticed the crowd had gone quiet again.
"Sh-she’s too perfect..."
"The name 'Goddess' isn't just for show. She’s the best!"
"Man, if I had a girlfriend like that, I could die happy!"
"I have to get close to her... somehow!"
"Be my girlfriend!"
"Wow! Rinka High School's 'No. 1 Girl You'd Want as a Wife' really lives up to the hype! She’s beautiful, a master of housework, and she’s kind to children? That’s just cheating! If Minamin were a boy, I’d confess right now! But if I did, she’d just reject me, wouldn't she? Life is hard for the boys!" the MC teased.
"Actually, I already have Kazu—"
"Waaaaa! Satsukawa-san, remember our promise!" Minamin shrieked, cutting her off.
"T-that’s right. Sorry, I almost..."
...?
What was that? Sara-san almost said my name, which made my heart skip a beat, but I was more concerned about her conversation with Minamin. Did she say "promise"?
"Y-yes! That concludes Satsukawa-san's introduction and special skill! A truly surprising talent! What did you all think!?"
Whoaaaaaaaaaa!
Clap-clap-clap-clap-clap!
Minamin seemed to be rushing to wrap things up, which felt a bit weird, but I was just relieved that Sara-san had made it through the first hurdle safely. This shouldn't be a negative in Mayumi-san's eyes.
Still, without a clear victory condition, the path ahead was daunting. Knowing that and being unable to help made my heart ache.
"That was Sara Satsukawa-san! One more big round of applause!"
Clap-clap-clap-clap-clap!
"Satsukawa-saaaaaan!"
"That was amazing!"
"So cute!"
"Please talk to me later!"
Sara-san gave a polite bow and made her way offstage amidst a storm of cheers. Amidst the whistles and praise, I could still hear those annoying, vulgar shouts, but the overall reception was overwhelmingly positive. I hoped it made an impression on Mayumi-san.
But the look of pure exhaustion on Sara-san's face as she disappeared backstage told me everything I needed to know.
I feel the same way, Sara-san.